Updates From St. Columba - May 1, 2021

 

Fifth Sunday of Easter 

May 2, 2021

 

Entrance:

All the Earth, proclaim the Lord; sing your praise to God!

1.   Serve you the Lord, heart filled with gladness. Come into God’s presence singing for joy!

2.   Know that the Lord is our Creator. Yes, God is our Father; we are his own.

3.   We are the sheep of the green pasture; For we are God’s people, chosen for God.

4.   Come to the gates bringing thanksgiving; O enter the courtyards singing in praise.

 

Presentation:

1.      Be joyful, Mary, heav'nly Queen, 

          Gaude, María!

          Your grief is changed to joy serene,

          Alleluia! 

          Laetáre, O María!

 

2.      The Son you bore by heaven's grace, 

          Gaude, María!

          Did by his death our guilt erase,

          Alleluia! 

          Laetáre, O María!

 

3.      The Lord has risen from the dead, 

          Gaude, María!

          He rose in glory as he said, 

          Alleluia! 

          Laetáre, O María!

 

4.      Now pray to God, O Virgin fair, 

          Gaude, María!

          That he our souls to heaven bear, 

          Alleluia! 

          Laetáre, O María!

 

Text:  Regina caeli, jubila; Latin, 17th C.; tr. anon. in  Psallite,  1901

 

Communion:

 

1.      I am the Bread of life. 

          You who come to me shall not hunger;

          and who believe in me shall not thirst. 

          No one can come to me 

          unless the Father beckons.

 

Refrain      

And I will raise you up, 

and I will raise you up, 

and I will raise you up on the last day.

 

2.      The bread that I will give 

          is my flesh for the life of the world,

          and if you eat of this bread, 

          you shall live for ever, 

          you shall live for ever.

 

3.      Unless you eat 

          of the flesh of the Son of Man 

          and drink of his blood, 

          and drink of his blood, 

          you shall not have life within you. 

         

4.      I am the Resurrection, 

          I am the life. 

          If you believe in me, 

          even though you die, 

          you shall live for ever.

         

5.      Yes, Lord, we believe 

          that you are the Christ, 

          the Son of God, 

          Who has come 

          into the world.

 

Recessional:

3.      Alleluia! Bread of angels, 

          Here on earth our food, our stay!

          Alleluia! Here the sinful 

          Flee to you from day to day.

          Intercessor, friend of sinners, 

          Earth's redeemer, plead for me,

          Where the songs of all the sinless 

          Sweep across the crystal sea. 

 

4.      Alleluia! King eternal, 

          You the Lord of lords we own;

          Alleluia! Born of Mary, 

          Earth your footstool, heav'n your throne.

          You within the veil, have entered, 

          Robed in flesh, our great high priest;

          Here on earth both priest and victim 

          In the eucharistic feast. 

 

Text: Revelation 5:9; William C. Dix, 1837-1898

 

Reprinted with permission under OneLicense #A700-703. All rights reserved.

 

MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day is May 9. A Novena of Masses will be offered for our mothers, both living and deceased. Mother’s Day cards and Intention envelopes are available in the church. Please write your Intentions on the envelope and mail it, drop it in the collection or drop it in one of our drop boxes.

 

COLLECTION RETURNING

Our ushers and greeters will begin to take collections again THIS WEEKEND.  One collection basket will remain at the entrance for your convenience. Other ways to give to St. Columba include WeShare, E-Giving or by mailing your donation. Thank you for your generosity to your parish. NOTE – we have decided that when there is a special collection, you should drop a separate envelope in the first collection. There will be only one collection taken at any Mass.

 

VBS – CATHOLIC KIDS CAMP

We plan to offer an in-person VBS program called Catholic Kids Camp this summer on July 12-16. As Deacon Reilly has retired, a new Director has been chosen. We are excited that Sister Cherree Ann Power, one of our Resurrection Sisters, will direct our program. Sister has over 44 years of experience in Catholic Education. Catholic Kids Camp will be supported by our Religious Education Office, so Sister Marie Pappas will also be involved. Planning has begun and we will announce the details soon! Stay tuned!

 

RICE BOWLS

It is time to return your Rice Bowls! Please bring them to Mass. All donations will be sent to Catholic Relief Services. Thank you for your generosity.

 

LOCAL FIRES AND ASSISTANCE

There have been some tragic house fires recently, and some parishioners have been affected. If you would like to help them, the best way to do so is to provide gift cards so that food, clothing, and household items can be purchased. Please – no cash. Please mail or drop your gift cards (like Shoprite, Kohls, Walmart etc.) off at the church office and we will get them to our parishioners in need.

 

YOUTH MINISTER INTERVIEWS

We are currently interviewing for the position of Youth Minister for our High School Youth Group. Meetings are generally held on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday each month after the 5:30 pm Mass. There is a stipend. If you would like to be interviewed, please submit your resume to Father Michael.

 

BAPTISM PREP PROGRAM NEW LEADERSHIP

We are grateful to Deacon Bill Alvarado, who has for many years overseen our Baptism Preparation Program. He is now stepping down and has passed the reigns to Deacon Dennis McCormack. Deacon Dennis is now the initial point of contact for any families who wish to have a Baptism at St. Columba. He can be reached at 845-227-8380 x13 or at baptisms@stcolumbaonline.org

 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES AT ST. COLUMBA

Couples celebrating their 25^th, 50^th or 60^th Wedding Anniversaries are invited to Mass on Saturday, May 22 at 11:30 am. Sign up now for Mass and for your special Certificate by calling the church office 227-8380. When we find out how many couples are attending, we will be able to tell you how many guests you can invite.

 

FIRST COMMUNION

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated on May 1 and 8 at 9:30 am. Rehearsal on Thursday May 6 at 4:30 pm. There will be No Adoration this Thursday.

 

CARDINAL’S APPEAL

We are happy to announce that St. Columba has reached the assigned goal of the Cardinal’s Appeal. Thank you so much! Outstanding! Now, any amount received over our parish goal will include a rebate to St. Columba. If you have not done so already, please consider donating to the Appeal. Any gift, large or small, is deeply appreciated.

 

Cardinal’s Appeal 2021 as of April 23, 2021

Parish Goal - $97,000.00

Pledged - $111,947.00

Number of Gifts – 415

Average Gift - $269.75

 

Renew & Rebuild as of April 16, 2021

Parish Goal - $1,709,000.00

Pledged - $1,766,771.92

Paid - $1,255,258.95

Number of Gifts – 523

Updates from St. Columba - April 24, 2021

 

April 25, 2021 ~ Fourth Sunday of Easter

 

Entrance:

1.      I know that my Redeemer lives; 

          What joy the blest assurance gives! 

          He lives, he lives, who once was dead; 

          He lives, my everlasting Head! 

 

2.      He lives to bless me with his love; 

          He lives to plead for me above; 

          He lives my hungry soul to feed; 

          He lives to help in time of need. 

Text: Samuel Medley, 1738-1799

 

Presentation: (For when Fr. Connolly is the Celebrant)

1.      There's a wideness in God's mercy

          Like the wideness of the sea;

          There's a kindness in God's justice

          Which is more than liberty.

          There is plentiful redemption

          In the blood that has been shed;

          There is joy for all the members

          In the sorrows of the Head.

 

2.      For the love of God is broader

          Than the measures of the mind;

          And the heart of the Eternal

          Is most wonderfully kind.

          If our love were but more faithful,

          We should rest upon God’s word;

          And our lives would be thanksgiving

          For the goodness of our Lord.

 

3.      Troubled souls, why will you scatter

          Like a crowd of frightened sheep?

          Foolish hearts, why will you wander

          From a love so true and deep?

          There is welcome for the sinner,

          And more graces for the good;

          There is mercy with the Savior,

          There is healing in his blood.

 

Text: Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863, alt.

 

Communion:

 

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

 

1.      Glory to God who does wondrous things,

          Let all the people God's praises now sing,

          All of creation in splendor shall ring: Alleluia! 

 

2.      See how salvation for all has been won,

          Up from the grave our new life has begun,

          Life now perfected in Jesus, the Son: Alleluia!

 

3.      Now in our presence the Lord will appear,

          Shine in the faces of all of us here,

          Fill us with joy and cast out all our fear: Alleluia!

 

4.      Call us, Good Shepherd, we listen for you,

          Wanting to see you in all that we do,

          We would the gate of salvation pass through: Alleluia!

 

5.      Lord, we are open to all that you say,

          Ready to listen and follow your way,

          You are the potter and we are the clay: Alleluia!

 

6.      If we have love, then we dwell in the Lord,

          God will protect us from fire and sword,

          Fill us with love and the peace of his word: Alleluia!

 

Text: Marty Haugen, b.1950, © 1986, GIA Publications, Inc.

 

Recessional:

1.      Christ the Lord is ris'n today, Alleluia!

          All on earth with angels say: Alleluia!

          Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

          Sing, O heav'ns; and, earth, reply, Alleluia!

 

4.      Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!

          Foll'wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!

          Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!

          Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!

 

Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt.

Reprinted with permission under One License #A 700-703. All rights reserved.

 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES AT ST. COLUMBA

Couples celebrating their 25^th, 50^th or 60^th Wedding Anniversaries are invited to Mass on Saturday, May 22 at 11:30 am. Sign up now for Mass and for your special Certificate by calling the church office 227-8380. When we find out how many couples are attending, we will be able to tell you how many guests you can invite.

 

MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day is May 9. A Novena of Masses will be offered for our mothers, both living and deceased. Mother’s Day cards and Intention envelopes are available in the church. Please write your Intentions on the envelope and mail it, drop it in the collection or drop it in one of our drop boxes.

 

FIRST COMMUNION

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be celebrated on May 1 and 8 at 9:30 am. Rehearsals on Thursday April 29 and May 6 at 4:30 pm. There will be No Adoration on these Thursdays.

 

ST. DENIS – ST. COLUMBA SCHOOL TEACHER HONORED!

Congratulations to Mr. Roach! He's WHUD's Teacher of the Month! He was nominated by Grade 5 student, Isabella Lopes. She, like Mr. Roach, is new this year at SDSC. We are blessed to have them as part of the SDSC community. We agree with Isabella that Mr. Roach is an outstanding addition to the SDSC Faculty! You can listen to the interview at https://www.whud.com/teacher-of-the-month/

 

USHERS/GREETERS NEEDED AT 5:30 pm MASS

We are in need of a couple of additional ushers at our 5:30 PM Saturday evening Mass.   Ushers assist in safe seating, providing assistance to parishioners in need and soon will resume the in-pew collection.  If you are interested (women, men, young people), please see one of the ushers after Mass.

 

NEW BOOK BY PAUL CHALOUX

Paul Chaloux is a former parishioner of St. Columba now living in the DC area. Paul’s new book, Why All People Suffer, is being released by Sophia Press in the next few days.  It will be available anywhere books are sold, but you can probably get it quickest, at least in the short run, through the publisher itself because they have the books now and are sending them out to other outlets.  In support of its launch, he has developed this website www.paulchaloux.com which should answer most if not all of your questions, including how did a former IBM engineer ever get to the point of writing a theology of suffering that has been given the Imprimatur by the Catholic Church.  Sister Marie interviewed Paul for her radio show on the Catholic Channel, and she is happy to recommend the book.

 

Funeral Expenses for COVID-19 Deaths  

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.  In April, FEMA will begin accepting applications. If your parishioners had COVID-19 funeral expenses, have them gather documentation such as

Official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the US territories, and the District of Columbia;

Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened;

Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs.

Those who meet the FEMA guidelines will need to order a new certified copy of the death certificate with a cause of death. Any hospital, nursing home or home death will not have a cause of death listed on the death certificate due to NYC HIPAA laws.  Funeral homes can only reorder death certificates for family within one year from the date of death. 

 

 

Third Sunday of Easter ~ April 18, 2021

 

Entrance:   All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (CORONATION)

1. All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name!

Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem

To crown him Lord of all;

Bring forth the royal diadem

To crown him Lord of all.

2. Hail him, you heirs of David’s line,

Whom David Lord did call,

The God incarnate, Man divine,

And crown him Lord of all;

The God incarnate, Man divine,

And crown him Lord of all.

Text: 86 86 86; Edward Perronet, 1726–1792; alt. by John Rippon, 1751–1836. 

Music: Union Harmony, 1793; Oliver Holden, 1765–1844.

 

Psalm Refrain: Lord, let your face shine on us.

 

Presentation:

1. That Easter day with joy was bright;

           The sun shone out with fairer light

           When, to their longing eyes restored,

           The apostles saw their risen Lord! 

    2.    His risen flesh with radiance glowed;

           His wounded hands and feet he showed.

           Those scars their solemn witness gave

           That Christ was risen from the grave.

   3.     O Jesus, King of gentleness,

           With constant love our hearts possess

           That we may give you all our days

           The tribute of our grateful praise.

  4.      O Lord of all, with us abide

           In this our joyful Eastertide;

           From ev'ry weapon death can wield

           Your own redeemed for-ever shield.

  5.      All praise, to you, O risen Lord,

           Now both by heav'n and earth adored;

           To God the Father equal praise,

           And God the Spirit, now we raise!Text: Claro paschali gaudio; Latin 5th C.; tr. by John M. Neale, 1818-1866, alt.

 

Communion

1. In the walking on the road, we saw him. In the telling of our hopes, we saw him. In the burning of our hearts, we saw the Lord. At the meal he took the bread and then he blessed it, broke it, offered it. In the breaking of the bread, We saw him! Suddenly our eyes were opened, And we knew he was alive!
2. We set out to find his friends to tell them. We went to Jerusalem to tell them ; And with joy we told them,”We have seen the Lord!” And as we were speaking,there he stood among us, blessed us, said to us, “Now my peace I leave with you.”  We saw him! Suddenly our eyes were opened, And we knew he was alive!
3. But then we became afraid without him. In the darkened room we stayed without him. Waiting for the one he said that he would send. Then the Spirit of the Lord came down upon us, filling us, changing us. Giving us the strength to say: We saw him! Suddenly our eyes were opened, And we knew he was alive!
4. We ran out into the street to tell them, Ev’ryone that we could meet, to tell them, “God has raised him up and we have seen the Lord!” We took bread as he had done and then we blessed it, broke it, offered it. In the Breaking of the bread, We saw him! Suddenly our eyes were opened. There within our midst was Jesus, And we knew he was alive! In the breaking of the bread, He is here with us again. And we know he is alive! 

Alleluia! (6x)    Michael Philip Ward. Text and music c1986 World Library publications, a div. of GIA publications, Inc.

 

Recessional:

1.        "Go make of all disciples."

           We hear the call, O Lord,

           That comes from you, our Father,

           In your eternal Word.

           Inspire our ways of learning

           Through earnest, fervent prayer,

           And let our daily living

           Reveal you ev'rywhere.

2.        "Go make of all disciples,"

           Baptizing in the name

           Of Father, Son, and Spirit--

           From age to age the same.

           We call each new disciple

           To follow you, O Lord,

           Redeeming soul and body

           By water and the Word.  

 Text: Matthew 28:19-20; Leon M. Adkins, 1896-1986, alt., © 1964, Abingdon Press

 

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-700703. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

DEATH OF ROBERT CONNOLLY

We sadly announce the death of Robert Connolly, the grandfather of Father Michael Connolly. The wake will be on Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home, 21 W Stevens Ave., Hawthorne NY and the Funeral Mass will be on Monday at 10:00 am at St. Augustine Church, 381 North Highland Ave., Ossining, NY. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the family and friends who survive him. May he rest in peace.

 

WELCOME BACK

Cardinal Dolan is encouraging all Catholics in the Archdiocese of New York to return to Mass. We are glad that you are back! It is important for you to know that St. Columba has successfully been gathering for Mass since last June with no incidents of exposure – a remarkable record. We are doing many things to ensure safety. Our fan system is constantly moving the air and ultraviolet lights are attached to the system. Weather permitting windows are open. The pews are disinfected between Masses. No reservations are needed. Everyone enters through the front door. All are required to wear masks covering the mouth and nose. Ushers/greeters seat everyone using our 50% seating configuration. Collection baskets are at the front entrance, but we will also begin taking up a collection in May. Ministries in the sanctuary are just priests/deacons to limit exposure. There is no sign of peace. Hands are purified immediately before distributing Holy Communion. If the priest/deacon makes contact, he puts the ciboria on the table and disinfects his hands again.  As people are greeted after Mass, we keep social distance. Is it 100% safe? Just like going to a grocery store, restaurant, doctor, dentist, hair stylist, etc. there are inherent risks. But we have done everything we can to create a safe environment. Come and see!

PLEASE COME ON TIME!

Our ushers/greeters have a challenge – to seat everyone according to our configuration. This takes time. It would be most helpful if everyone comes on time to Mass. It makes it much harder for the ushers/greeters once Mass begins. They have been instructed not to seat anyone during the readings and homily (only during the psalm). It is a real distraction for those already seated. Please help them to perform their ministry efficiently by coming to Mass on time. Thanks!

ABOUT LAST RITES AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK

If possible, please do not wait until the last minute to request these Sacraments. Due to COVID, we are still not back to normal. For example, as of April 15, patients at Vassar Hospital may only have one visitor per day. Parish priests may not normally visit and must get permission in extraordinary cases, which can take time. We have been calling the Vassar Hospital Catholic Chaplain for anointings. He has access and is usually very dependable but may not always be available. Or, for Wingate, parish priests can visit in emergencies but must get a rapid test first which is not always quickly available. Trust us, we are often very frustrated and cannot wait until the situation normalizes. In the meantime, remember that the Anointing of the Sick is available every day after Mass or by appointment. Your priests will also administer Last Rites at home. Anyone present must be wearing a mask. Again, if possible, do not wait until the last minute especially after hours. Of course, emergencies cannot be planned, and we will do our best to help.

 

RENEW AND REBUILD LOAN
We are happy to announce that our loan with Tompkins Mahopac Bank for the work in the church has been completely repaid thanks to our many generous and faithful parishioners. Any remaining money to be collected through Renew and Rebuild will stay in the dedicated account for the replacement of school windows in the summer of 2022. Thanks again to our donors for enabling us to beautify St. Columba Church.

 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES AT ST. COLUMBA

Couples celebrating their 25^th, 50^th or 60^th Wedding Anniversaries are invited to Mass on Saturday, May 22 at 11:30 am. Sign up now for Mass and for your special Certificate by calling the church office 227-8380. When we find out how many couples are attending, we will be able to tell you how many guests you can invite.

 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be offered Saturdays April 24, May 1, and May 8 at 9:30 am. Please pray for our First Communicants.

 

NO ADORATION

Due to First Communion Rehearsals, Adoration will be cancelled on Thursdays April 22, 29 and May 6.

 

MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day is May 9. A Novena of Masses will be offered for our mothers, both living and deceased. Mother’s Day cards and Intention envelopes are available in the church. Please write your Intentions on the envelope and mail it, drop it in the collection or drop it in one of our drop boxes.

 

COLLECTION RETURNING

Our ushers and greeters will begin to take physical collections again on the weekend of May 1-2. One collection basket will remain at the entrance for your convenience. Other ways to give to St. Columba include WeShare, E-Giving or by mailing your donation. Thank you for your generosity to your parish.

 

IN PERSON VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL?

The answer is yes! As Deacon Reilly has retired, a new Director has been chosen. VBS will now be supported by our Religious Education Office. Planning has begun and we will announce the details soon! Stay tuned!

 

CARDINAL’S APPEAL

We are happy to announce that St. Columba has reached the assigned goal of the Cardinal’s Appeal. Thank you so much! Outstanding! Now, any amount received over our parish goal will include a rebate to St. Columba. If you have not done so already, please consider donating to the Appeal. Any gift, large or small, is deeply appreciated.

 

Parish Goal - $97,000.00

Pledged - $104,007.00

Number of Gifts – 394

Average Gift - $263.98